While I love my kids more than anything in the world, that love comes with extra feelings like guilt, worry, and exhaustion. There are times when you stare at your kids’ beautiful faces and are overwhelmed with joy, and times you stare at the clock and count the minutes until bedtime. (For what it’s worth, the latter doesn’t make you a bad person.)

When things get crazy and I’m beating myself up for forgetting to sign my kid’s reading log because I was busy doing ONE HUNDRED OTHER THINGS, I like to take a deep breath and remind myself what really matters: that I have two incredible, smart, loving, hilarious children and more than anything in the world, I’m so grateful to be their mom. I love them like crazy, I like them a lot and there’s no place I’d rather be than with my family. So in honor of Thanksgiving,

Reasons to be thankful for our kids:

1. They make me laugh

I know I’m biased, but my kids are the funniest people in the whole world. (Yours probably are, too.) My son is the most ridiculous, quotable child on the planet, and my daughter has a dry wit that kills me. Even when they’re driving me crazy, they crack me up. There is a happiness in our home that comes from constantly laughing together, and it’s priceless.

2. All of the snuggles

Not a day goes by without plenty of hugs, kisses and snuggles my kids. We are an affectionate family, and so far, they’re not too cool to hug their mom goodbye at school drop-off every morning. I have already warned them that I’m going to be that weird old mom in the Robert Munsch book who sneaks into their house and rocks them in the night, and they’re okay with that (for now).

3. We’re always learning together

I may not understand new math, but I’ve done my best to impart knowledge and values through my parenting. That said, my kids teach me just as much as I teach them. What a gift it is to learn and grow together every day, just by living life, having new experiences, thinking critically and talking about it all over dinner. I may not *need* to know what a giant isopod is but I do, thanks to my kids.

4. They make me experience childhood wonder all over again (but even better)

Being a parent means reliving all of the magical first experiences of childhood, from developmental milestones to that first concert or plane ride. The first time my son saw a sunset, he gasped and launched into a monologue about the colors and brilliant pattern of clouds across the sky. Every sight, taste, smell and feeling we’ve grown accustomed to is new again, and it’s beautiful to watch it all unfold through your children’s eyes.

5. They’re good people

If you ask my kids, they’re going to grow up to be a paleontologist/filmmaker/illustrator and an astronaut/plasticine artist, but all I really want is for them to be good people – and they are. When I look at my children, I see kindness, empathy, enthusiasm and gentle, loving hearts. Yes, they are slowly destroying the couch and occasionally fight like rabid baby raccoons but still, they are wonderful people with an amazing future ahead of them. I’m so grateful to be their mom, and thankful every day that they’re mine.

…

The post 5 Reasons I’m Thankful to be My Kids’ Mom appeared first on The Mabelhood.

As kids return to the classroom, here are a few things you may need for the school year ahead:

Dishwasher-safe lunch containers

Reusable lunch containers are great for a number of reasons, and my family has always used them as a way to avoid single-use plastics and minimize our environmental footprint. Now more than ever, I want all of my kids’ lunch containers to be dishwasher-safe to ensure thorough cleaning between uses. These Dalcini lunch sets are excellent quality, easy to open and look great with your favourite Mabel’s Labels on them. Speaking of which…

Labels, labels and more labels

This year is all about the labels to keep your kids’ belongings organized and in the right hands. Mabel’s has plenty of high quality, waterproof multi-use label options, including a variety of family-friendly value packs. My personal favourites are the hexagon and heart-shaped labels – they’re super cute and work well for older kids as well as little ones. Got two kids in the family? This split name pack might be a good choice. You can also order customizable allergy alert labels, personalized clothing stamps and lots more.

Convenient, kid-sized hand sanitizer

I’ve tried a number of hand sanitizer liquids and gels over the past few months but my kids have shown a strong preference for mist-able versions (here’s where I buy mine). They’re easy to use and many come in a pleasant scent like lemon or lavender. The small bottles are great for tossing into a purse or a backpack and yes, you can throw a label on there, too. Be sure to choose something with 60% or higher in alcohol content to be effective against germs.

Reusable cloth face masks

Depending on where you live, your kids may be required to wear face masks in class – and even if masks aren’t mandated, it’s a smart choice that helps to reduce the risk of transmitting germs. Mabel’s Labels has child and adult-sized reusable cloth face mask options that are lightweight, moisture-wicking and super comfortable. These functional, non-medical grade masks have three layers of fabric, come in a variety of colours and patterns and are made in Canada. Stock up now and be ready!

Something special for teachers

Mabel’s Labels offers awesome floor decals to help kids with social distancing while maintaining a colourful, positive classroom vibe. If my kids’ teachers are into the idea, I’m going to offer to donate some to the classroom this fall. If you’ve gotta distance, why not make it fun?

This year’s school essentials will include more than just the usual backpack and indoor shoes, so make sure you’ve stocked up on all the supplies you’ll need. Here’s to a safe, pleasant back-to-school experience for kids and parents alike.

The post Back-to-School Essentials for 2021 appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Now, by ‘awesome’ I don’t mean ‘Pinterest-worthy’ or ‘artisan-crafted’ because let’s be real… we’re moms, and we’re busy. I do not have time for that and I’m betting that you don’t either.

My goal is simply to pack a nutritious, tasty lunch that my kids will actually eat. That last part is important because really, if they aren’t eating their lunch, what’s the point? You may as well be sending cardboard if it comes home untouched.

Kids get very little time to sit down and eat during school hours (usually two or three short breaks between classes) and that time is marked by noise and distraction. Knowing this, I try to send my kids’ favourite foods in easy to manage, snackable portions. It’s got to be allergen-free to keep their peers safe, it must travel well and I’m not going to spend an hour making it. Ready to make some awesome lunches? Let’s do this.

1. Bits and Bites

I like to call this one ‘kid-friendly charcuterie’ because it usually starts with some turkey sausage or other meat, but it’s basically just a collection of bite-sized foods my kids enjoy. I start with protein and then add their favourite cheese, veggies, crackers and even pickles. A bento-style lunch container makes this super accessible (and fun) for kids to snack away on. Add a yogurt cup and a piece of fruit, and you’ve got the perfect lunch!

2. Tortilla Wrap Roll-Ups

A tortilla roll-up is great because you can mix up the contents from week-to-week so your kids don’t get sick of them. A few of my kids’ favourite combinations are ham and swiss, turkey and cheddar, and cream cheese and cucumber. I might add an apple or a banana to the lunch bag, as well as a yogurt tube, granola bar or some homemade trail mix.

3. Half-Sandwich Lunch Combo

A full sandwich can be intimidating for kids who know they have limited time to eat (or who habitually start with the snackier elements of a lunch bag). In my house, a full sandwich is often ignored or set aside for later, but a half-sandwich with bite-sized fruit and veggies on the side is much more accessible. I like using whole wheat Wonder bread – it’s simple and comes in different options (thick or regular cut) to suit your child’s preferences. Try packing half of a turkey sandwich with cheese and baby spinach (if the words spinach scares them, call it ‘salad greens’). Add a side of fruit, some veggies and dip, and a small treat – yum.

Need more ideas?

All you really need for lunch is a main element and some healthy bites around it. Try making mini pizzas with English muffins – just add pizza sauce, grated cheese and your favourite toppings! They’re good warm or cool, and your kids will love them. Some of our other go-tos are leftovers in a thermos, vegetable sushi, and bagels with cream cheese. Just remember: a successful lunch is one that has healthy components and actually ends up in your child’s tummy. You know your child best, so you’re the most qualified person to assemble the right lunch for him/her. You’ve got this!

The post 3 Easy & Practical Back-to-School Lunch Ideas appeared first on The Mabelhood.

My nine-year-old daughter is particularly adventurous with food and will eat literally anything. Or would eat literally anything, I guess, since she recently announced that she’s a vegetarian. Pescatarian, to be precise: a person who eats seafood but no beef, chicken, pork or other meats.

Ah! This changes things.

Vegetarianism isn’t picky eating, obviously — it’s a valid personal choice, and I’m happy to support my daughter as she discovers her values and asserts autonomy over her consumption habits. Eating animals is not a requirement for adults or children, and there are plenty of plant-based proteins to help keep her healthy. I am not a vegetarian, but as a mom, I’m here to help my daughter live out her ideals. She didn’t want to eat meat anymore, so she doesn’t, and that’s cool with me.

It’s been suggested that this is just a phase for my child and that’s totally possible. It’s also possible that this is the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Knowing this, it’s very important to me that my daughter’s decision be treated with respect. And honestly, we’re well over six months into her pescatarian life now, and I see how meaningful it’s been. She’s a smart, determined, compassionate kid, and I’d never try to talk her out of something that matters this much to her.

That said, I have to confess: the first thing I thought when she told me that she was going vegetarian was at least she’s not a vegan. Not because veganism is bad — my vegan best friend is probably reading this in amusement, hi! — but because she’s nine years old and I prepare almost all of her meals. No meat? No problem. No cheese or ice cream? Get out of my house. (I’m kidding. Mostly.)

The pescatarian angle opened things up a lot, but we couldn’t eat seafood every single night. And while I knew her vitamin intake was good, I wanted to make sure she was getting enough protein. Oh, and did I mention that this child is also borderline anemic? Iron is kind of a big deal around here. So what was I going to feed her, and would I be able to keep her from shriveling into a tiny, pale blob without that sweet heme-iron on the menu?

As it turns out, yes — it’s not that complicated. My daughter eats hummus like it’s her job. We’ve added more lentils and beans to our diet. I make sure there are plenty of dark green vegetables on the menu (like spinach and kale) and encourage her to eat more eggs. I offer tofu or other legume-based meat alternatives when I do cook meat for the rest of us (this is where her being a great eater is especially lucky — she loves tofu). We keep Yves falafel balls in the fridge as a quick meat replacement (she loves them in a wrap or with rice) and if all else fails, there’s peanut butter.

My daughter was already taking iron supplements, so I know she’s getting the minimum amount she needs as well as what she absorbs from food. So far, so good — we even figured out how to adapt traditional holiday meals by buying stuffing with vegetable-based seasoning and making a small batch mushroom gravy ahead of time. Dare I say, this is working? It’s not so bad?? I am not cursing the pescatarian gods for influencing my child??? And she’s still not a vegan, phew.

A lot of kids go through vegetarian phases, but for some, it will be more than that. I’m not sure if my daughter’s decision is for now or forever, but as long as she’s committed to this, so am I. As her mom, I will empower her choices and help teach her how to eat well within the parameters she’s defined. It may take a little extra effort at dinnertime, but it’s worth her knowing we have her back.

The post My Kid Decided She’s a Vegetarian — Here’s How I’m Supporting Her appeared first on The Mabelhood.

The answer is sort of complicated.

September was daunting for many families, including mine. The decision to send our kids back to in-person classes was not an easy or simple one. Long conversations were had about risk mitigation, mental health, finances and our careers. And after six months of later bedtimes, slow morning wake-ups and wearing pajamas until noon, the weekday morning rush was NOT something I looked forward to tackling again. (For what it’s worth, we did not excel at mornings pre-COVID.)

But here we all are in early October, still making it through whatever “all of this” entails in each region and household. It feels like a milestone of sorts, getting through the back-to-school transition in a pandemic. So, what do we get? Coffee, a medal, a pass that lets us skip to the head of the line at the local COVID-19 testing centre? (That would be worth its weight in gold, currently, between actual cases, seasonal allergies and run-of-the-mill colds.)

If you’ve been all over the map these past few months, I hear you. The spring was surreal, summer was nice but weird and so far, fall feels like a bubble that’s about to pop. The tension is growing and we can’t control the needle, and that sucks.

My personal emotional rollercoaster looks something like this: a cloud of mild to moderate anxiety that’s tinged with guilt because like most parents, I am relieved that my kids are back in school. They need to learn and socialize, my husband and I need to work, and school has to happen. We cannot be full-time parents, educators, crisis managers and members of a community while being completely isolated and unsupported at home. Even the most anxious, cautious parents among us are desperate for those familiar school day routines. But within that craving for normalcy is a sense of fear, or at least feeling unsettled, because of the risks involved with sending our kids into a too-full classroom with inadequate ventilation. Are we doing the right thing? We ask ourselves again and again.

The answer is yes, because whatever is working for your family right now is the right thing for your family. I don’t mean that in a “meh, everything will work out as it should” sort of way, and I’m certainly not saying we should all do whatever we want, regardless of the pandemic (please wear a mask, wash your hands and take social distancing seriously). But in terms of choosing between in-person learning/homeschooling/private school/distance education, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do. The saying, “We’re all in the same storm, but we’re all in different boats” is extremely accurate. We all need to do the best we can with the boat we’ve got and be kind to each other. Life is hard for a lot of people right now, and empathy is crucial.

So how are we doing, really?

Right now, I’m good. My kids are happy and healthy and my household income has been stable. We are missing extended family and the little things we can no longer do, but overall, we are extremely fortunate and I feel deeply grateful for everything we have. But other days, yeah, I’m overwhelmed or frustrated or sad that I can’t cuddle my baby nephew, throw my son a birthday party or hug my friends. I’m bummed out about the family trips we can’t take and intimidated by the long winter ahead. I’m mad about the government’s lack of action on a safe school reopening plan, worried about the world and wondering how long our lives will look like this. But at the end of the day? We have food, shelter, access to education and plenty of love in our family. We will be alright.

I’m doing really well for someone living in a pandemic and that’s good enough for me. My baseline has changed, and that’s fine—in fact, I think it’s healthy. I’m no therapist, but I don’t think we should be aiming for perfection right now. Not everyone is going to write a novel, DIY their whole house or get super fit during quarantine. Most people won’t. If your pandemic success story is “stayed healthy” or “held it together,” that works. Even if it’s “barely held it together,” or “having a really hard time, but still going,” I applaud you. It’s a global health crisis, not a contest. Go easy on yourself.

But when someone asks how you’re doing, I hope you’ll tell them the truth— the parts that are good, the parts that are hard, the times you’ve ugly cried in the shower and then took a deep breath and carried on. Whatever your wins and loses have been, you’re not alone. We may not all be in the same boat, but we can all help each other through the storm.

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The post So, Parents…How Are We Doing Now? appeared first on The Mabelhood.

No school. No camp. No play dates. And yet…we’d still be working? In March, when the weather is decidedly terrible?! I could have thrown up.

My family has definitely had it easy in terms of pandemic-related career challenges. For starters, I’ve been working from home for the past twelve years, so there was no real transition for me. My husband already worked remotely two or three days a week, so he didn’t have much of a learning curve either. We have both maintained our full incomes, which is an incredible privilege that neither of us takes for granted. But doing our jobs well, managing conference calls and hitting deadlines with two busy kids underfoot? Yeah, THAT was daunting. Quite honestly, the idea of doing it for three weeks seemed impossible.

(Hahahahahahaha. If we only knew.)

Now fourteen weeks into our new pandemic lives (and counting!), what I’m marveling at is my own naivety. THREE WEEKS! What a breeze that would have been. What are weeks, anyway? Do time and space even matter anymore? How can three months feel like two years and two days at the same time?

Back when this all started, the kids were home and we were working all day and it was chaos, obviously, but everyone was getting by. Then, shortly into our newfound quarantine routine, we were blessed with the introduction of home learning, which basically meant that all parents were to become part-time teachers, too.

Education is incredibly important, but oof. What already felt like a juggling act suddenly felt like a juggling act wherein new balls were being thrown at working parents from all sides and everything was on fire. Listening to Ontario’s Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, speak about how well this was going to work for families, I was reminded that he went to private school, has never worked in education and has no kids. Cool!

Home learning has worked better for some families than others. This is largely a matter of privilege – for example, it’s a lot easier for kids that have access to technology, high speed Internet, a family member who can help facilitate lessons, English speaking parents, no learning disabilities or other barriers to speak of – but it’s also reflective of each school and teacher. Some educators are excelling in this new online world while others are struggling and you know what? It is what it is. It hasn’t necessarily been fair to students and parents but it hasn’t been fair to teachers, either (especially those teachers who are also parents). There have been some wins and some fails but these are extraordinary times and we all did our best. Right?

I tried my best with home learning – I really did. I wanted to be a supermom who lovingly parented her kids, worked 40+ hours a week, ran a household and managed home school with two kids (and was somehow good at all of it). My husband tried, too, squeezing in math tutorials between Zoom calls and practicing spelling words over and over again. Together, we put in a really good effort. But it sucked and felt impossible and our kids were miserable – and truthfully? At an elementary school level, I didn’t feel like they were getting a lot out of it. Not because of the teachers, but because it’s hard for a 7-year-old to learn division from a video recording and a mom who sucks at math. Because Google Classroom cannot replace an actual classroom. Because even when the teachers sent out cool assignments and science experiments, we didn’t always have the time or materials to get it done. Because even kids get sick of video meetings.

Teachers, I love you. I really, honestly do. The problem isn’t you; it’s “all of this.” You worked hard and faced an outrageous number of challenges this school year. Whether your transition to home learning was an incredible success or you barely kept your head above water, I applaud you for making it to the end of June. But holy hell, I am ready to sign off of Google Classroom and say goodbye to home learning forever*. I’m done. My kids are done. And fortunately, this dumpster fire of a school year is FINALLY done.

Our school board recently sent out information on continued online learning opportunities for summer and do you know what I did? I shook my head, laughed out loud and deleted the email. That’s a hard NOPE from us. My kids’ summer learning plan involves a whole lot of outdoor time interspersed with self-led art, free play, reading and yes, screen time. They will ride bikes and run around the backyard barefoot and eat popsicles in the sun, and they will play more Minecraft than I’d like to admit. They will be fine.

When I stop by the school next week to pick up whatever my kids abandoned in their cubbies, I won’t be sad that the academic year is over. I’ll be filled with relief, grateful that at least one thing is being taken off my plate, and sharing in my kids’ joy that home learning is coming to an end. I’m going to write a sincere note of thanks to each of my children’s teachers, tape them to the biggest bottles of wine I can find and leave them in their empty classrooms as a token of our collective efforts. A gold star for everyone – and finally, summer.

(*second wave be damned – I’m being optimistic.)

…

The post I Love You, Teachers, But I’m SO Ready For Home Learning To Be Over appeared first on The Mabelhood.

You may be finding yourself with extra time on your hands these days – or, if you’re like many parents, you’re actually swamped with remote work, attempting to homeschool and/or exhausted from parenting your stir-crazy offspring 24 hours away with no break to speak of (can you guess which camp I’m in?). The year 2020 has been magical, yes? What a time to be alive!

No matter what your situation, reading is always a great idea. If you can sneak in a chapter before bed or (gasp) manage to read while soaking in a hot bath, do it – your mental health will thank you and you won’t regret the downtime.

You may be able to borrow these great books as audio files from your local library. If not, you can order online from a major retailer or choose to buy from a small business in your neighbourhood. Consider reaching out to your local independent book shop to see if they’re offering online shopping or phone orders, home delivery or contactless pick-ups. It’s great to support local business at this time!

And now, some recommendations. Happy reading!

Ask Again, Yes (Mary Beth Keane)

This beautifully written novel tells the story of two families whose lives and relationships are forever intertwined after a tragic incident. With a plot spanning several decades, it’s a deeply engaging read with interesting, believable characters and a tender core. If you’re looking for a great book club pick, this could be it.

Three Women (Lisa Taddeo)

This exceptional work of non-fiction isn’t for the faint of heart. The author interviewed three female subjects over the course of eight years, exploring their sexual histories and looking at how these experiences have shaped their lives. Covering everything from first love to marriage, divorce and abuse, it’s a powerful look at relationships, power and sex.

The Last Resort (Marissa Stapley)

If you’re a fan of contemporary fiction, The Last Resort is a smooth, engaging read that will keep you entertained and get you thinking about what makes a marriage tick. In its opening pages, the author writes that every person has thirteen secrets – five of which they’ll never tell a soul. From there, the plot and characters veer between relatable and outrageous – a great escape you’ll thoroughly enjoy.

Little Weirds (Jenny Slate)

To call this a book of essays would be both accurate and wrong, because it is truly a collection of strange delights from inside Jenny Slate’s brain. It’s quirky, non-linear, charming and totally weird. More melancholy than I expected, it’s also hopeful and warm. If you’re up for some earnest ramblings and delicate musing on life and love (and the ghost of a sea captain), this is a lovely read.

The Lonely Hearts Hotel (Heather O’Neill)

If you’ve read any other works by Heather O’Neill, you’ll know to expect a few things: disarmingly good writing, a cast of very tragic characters brimming with hope, and childhood trauma that follows the protagonists throughout the story. This novel is slightly more fantastical than some of O’Neill’s other works (there are a lot of mobsters and clowns) but just as beautiful, heartfelt and moving.

Happy Parents, Happy Kids (Ann Douglas)

Being confined to your house with your children is as good a time as any to read a parenting book, if only for your own sanity. This particular tome is a comforting, encouraging love letter to all parents that addresses self care, mom guilt and anxiety while offering practical tips around screen time, work-life balance and mindfulness.

How To Be A Happier Parent (KJ Dell’antonia)

Another excellent parenting book is How To Be A Happier Parent by New York Times parenting blogger KJ Dell’antonia. Like Douglas, Dell’antonia recognizes that happier parents are the best parents and helps us find ways to get there. This book delves into why we parent the way we do, what it means for our families and how we can make changes. It’s positive, practical and incredibly smart.

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (Michelle McNamara)

Not into a family drama, a feel-good read or a parenting book? Fine, here’s a real life murder mystery for you. This deeply researched and engaging nonfiction book was written by Michelle McNamara, an acclaimed true crime blogger who died shortly before the book’s release. Following the crimes and subsequent investigation of the Golden State Killer, it’s truly McNamara’s final triumph and is well-deserving of the accolades it has received. We only wish the author had lived to see the killer captured and charged for his crimes – something that happened shortly after her death, with thanks to McNamara for keeping the case in the public eye.

 …

The post Great Books to Read at Home While You’re Social Distancing appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who loved dinosaurs. He’d play with dino figurines for hours, draw pictures of them and roar around the house in full character. It started before his first birthday, continued on through toddlerhood and kindergarten and now, at age seven, remains his key interest. Sure, he likes other things – Beyblades and Pokemon and snowboarding, to offer a few examples – but dinos are his one true love. This is a kid who would choose a vacation to the badlands over a trip to Disney World any day of the week. He has already decided which paleontology program he’ll be attending in university ten years from now. BBC documentaries are his bible and the ROM is his church.

I don’t know how it started, but I can’t imagine him any other way.

While other kids were picking their favourite superheroes and sports teams, my son was busy comparing the merits of the dimetrodon vs the spinosaurus. Jurassic Park both delighted and offended him because on the one hand, dinosaurs, but on the other hand, the velociraptors were not portrayed in an accurate size. He corrects people who talk about a ‘pterodactyl’ because they’re actually called a ‘pterodactylus’, a type of pterosaur, which he would argue is not technically a dinosaur but instead, a prehistoric flying reptile. He’ll explain the difference between different theropod species but insists that he doesn’t have a favourite dinosaur because there are too many to choose from. (I kind of like the triceratops, for what it’s worth.)

My son dresses almost exclusively in dino-themed clothing, from his pants and shirt down to his socks and underwear. His winter hats and mittens are dark blue with grey and yellow triceratops on them; his bedsheets are printed with fossils. There is dino-art on his walls and the bed is covered in dino stuffies. He was more dinosaur reference books than an actual library. This is not a dedication he takes lightly. He is Dino Dan without the elaborate fantasy sequences. At least, as far as I know.

One night, when my son asked for a bedtime story, I quickly spun together the tale of a mosasaurus and a plesiosaur swimming together in a prehistoric lake. (“Those are prehistoric marine reptiles, not actual dinosaurs,” my boy pointed out.) In my epic, made-up-as-I-go-along adventure, the plesiosaur peeked his head out of the water and spotted a sabre tooth tiger lurking on the shore. At this point, my son sighed deeply. “Those creatures didn’t exist at the same time,” he explained. “Right,” I replied, searching for any answer that would get my kid to bed sooner. “But…the sabre tooth tiger was magic?”

“Ok,” he reluctantly agreed. “Magic.”

We finished the story, he went to sleep and I won that round.

If this all sounds like a lot, it is…but also, it’s no different than raising any other busy second grader. He’s a bright, funny, imaginative kid with a lot of friends. He loves music, art and climbing dangerously high despite my protests. Just like some kids love Batman or Sidney Crosby or sharks, my kid loves dinosaurs – like, really loves them – and he’ll tell you about it, probably more than you’d ever want or need him to. Just ask his teachers.

When I first became a mom, my dino-knowledge came primarily from the original Land Before Time film, which is totally unscientific and perhaps the saddest children’s movie ever. Today, after listening to approximately 800 hours of David Attenborough narration in various scientific documentaries, I could probably teach a first year paleontology class. My son would teach the upperclassmen, obviously – I’m not on his level.

I realize that in all probability, this will end at some point. Unless he actually becomes a paleontologist (which hey, he could totally end up doing), my son’s dino-obsession will dull and slow down over time and eventually, fade away. We will no longer have dino Lego sets all over the house or realistic T-Rex models sitting casually on playroom shelves. He’ll grow up and move on, and a new chapter of life will begin – and honestly? I think I’ll be really sad about it.

Every childhood stage that comes and goes marks a passing of time that parents cannot slow down. Our kids hit milestones and then soar past them, into a new phase of life and then off to another. It’s hard to keep up, and it goes by in an instant. It’s beautiful and natural but in so many ways, it creates tiny ripples of grief for the days left behind. Just like I miss the scent of a fuzzy newborn head or the feel of a toddler falling asleep on my shoulder, one day I’ll mourn the dinos that no longer cover my son’s clothing and bedroom. Watching children grow is a blessing, but it’s sprinkled with heartache.

I may not care much about dinosaurs myself, but I love my children more than anything and this fixation has been a major part of my son’s childhood. I will never look back at his school photos and not see a dinosaur shirt. I’ll always remember how he cuddles up to me in his dino jammies. I’ll never forget that a pentaceratops has five horns on its face because I’ve been reminded so many times.

I didn’t choose what my son loved, but I love him, and I know I’ll miss this one day. Until then, we’ll have more trips to the ROM, more bedtime stories that get messed up because I can’t keep track of prehistoric eras, and endless hours of BBC documentaries to go.

….

The post I’m Going to be Sad When My Son Stops Obsessing About Dinosaurs appeared first on The Mabelhood.

They say if you love something, let it go…so it’s been swell, summer, but I’m ready to say goodbye.

We had some good times: weekends at the cottage, family hikes, backyard barbecues with friends, outdoor concerts, ice cream cones on a hot day. We were loose about bedtime and meal times and honestly, I’m not sure when my kids last had a proper bath (we’ve been swimming a lot and I have decided that’s close enough).

But it’s also been a hot, sweaty mess and I’m over it.

I’m craving routine – sleep patterns I’m not ashamed of, a consistent daytime schedule, 5pm weeknight family dinners followed by homework and showers and a few stories before bed. Swimming lessons every Tuesday and weekends that are jammed with all the quality time we can handle. That predictable, boring, suburban family life stuff that’s as comforting as it is mundane.

I’m ready to know what’s happening from week to week without checking my calendar three hundred times. Are the kids in camp? Do we have a babysitter? Do my husband and I have any days off, and if so, what are we going to do because THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY DAYS OFF, Lord knows, so we’d better make it count. Is that peach festival happening? Or apple fest? Or maybe the butter tart festival? So many damn festivals, and we didn’t go to any of them. Are those friends visiting from out of town? Is there a wedding or a baby shower or a family barbecue we’re supposed to be at this weekend? (Summer is the height of event season, even when you’re a 35-year-old mom with a limited social calendar.)

I’m also done with paying for childcare. My kids are 6 and 8 years old, so I’ve become very accustomed to the public school system taking them out of the house all day while I work. In the summer, we choose between day camps and a patchwork of babysitters, both of which cost an arm and a leg. Come September, my bank account will be a little bit happier (until Christmastime, at least).

I’m ready for my kids to learn something new from someone other than me because I’m told them all the things I know and now my brain is horribly, blissfully empty. We’ve done all the crafts. We’ve baked all the things. I’ve answered SO MANY QUESTIONS and they’ve watched like 25 episodes of Nailed It! on Netflix because damn, Summer 2019, you were very thunderstorm-y. We may have started out with very little screen time but it’s late August and I’ve given up. Nicole Byers is now raising my children. I trust this will end well.

Finally, I’m ready for the great equalizer that back to school provides for all parents. Summer is super hectic for stay-at-home moms who have to act as parent, housekeeper, camp counsellor, Jurassic Park-style raptor tamer and snack-bitch to her beloved offspring, who will be home all day long for two whole months. This is a big job (I’ve been there) but the upside is that you get to spend a lot of time with your kids. (Similarly, the downside is that you spend SO MUCH TIME with your kids.)

As a working mom, summer means extra layers of mom guilt because instead of doing all of the above, you’re…working. Your kids are with someone else. Which shouldn’t make you feel guilty, but it does. I often find myself making mental lists of all the things I want to do with my kids – day trips to the beach, berry picking at a local farm, checking out that field of sunflowers nearby, finally visiting the children’s museum a few towns over – and instead, I just work every day. My kids are perfectly happy running through the sprinkler with their babysitter, of course, but personally, I can’t shake that summer pressure and guilt (and I know I’m not alone).

So, thank you, summer, for all the good times we had – there genuinely were a lot. I enjoyed the fireworks and the long weekends and all those awesome, warm nights when I let the kids stay up waaaaay too late eating far too many popsicles because why the hell not. But like a summer fling in college that was never meant to last, this season is over and I’m not particularly sad about it. I’ll remember the good times fondly, but I’ll also breathe a sigh of relief because change is good. Fall is good, routine is good, and I need this. A lot of us do. In a few short weeks, I’ll be drinking a fall-themed latte while wearing my favourite boots again and summer will be nothing but a pleasant scene in my rear view mirror – and I’m really, really okay with that.

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The post Summer Was Fun, But I’m Ready For It To Be Over appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Reading is magical. It may be cheesy to say so but it’s true, and it’s wonderful. What’s better than curling up with a book? Actually, we have an answer to that – it’s curling up with a book and your kids at the end of a busy day.

Not only is it a great way to unwind before bed, studies have shown that reading aloud to kids helps them develop stronger language skills, improves their social and emotional development, and even decreases hyperactivity and aggression in young kids. Essentially, reading helps give us the words we need to sort out our feelings – an incredible tool at every age!

As a mom, I’ve gotten to fall in love with children’s books all over again. My own childhood favourites have found their way onto my kids’ bookshelves: Madeline and Eric Carle are required reading in our house and Sandra Boynton will never not be a good time. As my kids have gotten older, they’ve also introduced me to their own favourites: Pete the Cat, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the Chester series and now, a plethora of early reader chapter books. No matter what they’ll be reading tomorrow or even years from now, it all began with those early preschool favourites.

Your family probably has their own set of classics and favourites, but if you’re looking for something new to read aloud to your toddler or preschooler, here are some great options. Enjoy!

The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson)

All of Julia Donaldson’s books are pretty great, in my opinion, but The Gruffalo is one that never gets old. The brave and tricky mouse, the wild animals cowering in fear, the loathsome yet charming Gruffalo who turns out to be pretty harmless…it’s all perfectly lovely (and perfectly rhymed). My kids are 6 and 8 now, and this book is still a go-to in our house. Check out the sequel and this cute spin off, too!

Ada Twist, Scientist (Andrea Beaty)

If you’ve got a little scientist at home, this book is a must-have. The rhythm is great, the story is sweet and the illustrations are a ton of fun. Plus, it encourage kids to get into STEM activities – always a great idea. Just be prepared for some real life science experiments to pop up in your house after reading this one – it’s inspiring, to say the least!

Grumpy Bird (Jeremy Tankard)

When Bird woke up, he was grumpy. What parent can’t relate to that opening line? (Just me? Sorry, kids.) This colourful, engaging board book has a great message. It’s short and sweet, but will quickly become a favourite. If your kids love it, check out Boo Hoo Bird as well!

The Book With No Pictures (BJ Novak)

A children’s book with no pictures? Yup. One your kids will actually WANT to read? YUP. This hilarious book was written by actor BJ Novak (Ryan, if you’re a fan of The Office). It’s quirky and out of the ordinary in all the best ways, and the sillier you’re willing to get, the more fun it is for kids. Trust me on this one!

The Friendly Fables series (Alexis Alexander)

You might know the Friendly Fables series for their sweet board books like Myrtle’s Big Race and The Little Gnome…or maybe you know their popular book-turned-rap-song, FARTS! Either way, your kids will love family-friendly stories like How to Get Rid of Monsters. This series is written by a Canadian dad who was inspired by life with his two young kids. The stories are sweet and the illustrations are bright and cheerful – your kids will want to read them again and again! The series is even available as a monthly book subscription – a great gift for the tiny bookworm on your list.

Happy reading, friends!

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